The announcement of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari on 1 February 2024 marked one of the most talked-about moments in modern Formula 1 history. Few driver transfers have ever generated as much global media attention, with fans and pundits alike speculating on the impact of the seven-time world champion moving to the Scuderia.
Just 48 hours after the news broke, Lewis Hamilton addressed his decision on Instagram. He explained that the move represented the right moment for a new challenge, drawing parallels with his leap into the unknown when he joined Mercedes in 2013. Hamilton expressed excitement for the opportunity to contribute to Ferrari’s revival and to explore what he and the team could achieve together.
Unfortunately, Hamilton’s dream start quickly turned into a nightmare during the 2025 season. While he managed to bounce back to claim victory in the China Sprint Race, that would be his only top-three finish throughout the year. Occasional signs of improvement after the summer break offered brief hope, but he ended the season with three consecutive Q1 eliminations, raising serious questions about his ability to compete at the front with Ferrari.
The timing of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari proved challenging
Lewis Hamilton had long dreamed of joining Ferrari, believing that 2025 was the perfect moment to make the switch. He even activated the exit clause in his Mercedes contract to pursue this lifelong ambition. However, hindsight suggests that the Briton may have chosen the worst possible timing. Although he struggled against George Russell at Mercedes in 2024, the Silver Arrows still delivered a highly competitive car, finishing P2 in the Constructors’ Championship, demonstrating the strength of their ground-effect era package.
Strategically, Lewis Hamilton might have benefited from spending one final season at Mercedes, then joining Ferrari in 2026 to coincide with the major rules reset. Such a plan could have been negotiated in advance, allowing him to step into a more competitive Ferrari car while mitigating the risks of 2025.
Ferrari’s 2025 performance fell short of expectations, and while Lewis Hamilton anticipated that the team would be stronger, he may not have fully accounted for the increasingly convergent performance among the F1 field. Over the course of the season, the Briton was, on average, 0.25 seconds slower than Charles Leclerc in qualifying. Considering the Monegasque’s reputation as one of the fastest drivers over a single lap and his deep familiarity with Ferrari since 2019, this gap was not catastrophic, but in a tightly packed grid, it was significant.
Throughout the season, Ferrari often struggled to place both cars at the front. Charles Leclerc averaged a fifth-place qualifying position, whereas Lewis Hamilton averaged ninth. While Leclerc consistently contended for top positions, Lewis Hamilton found himself slipping into midfield battles. On average, Leclerc scored 3.7 more points per weekend, resulting in an 89-point gap by the end of the season.
Lewis Hamilton’s influence on Ferrari’s 2026 development
One of the main advantages of joining Ferrari in 2025 was the British driver’s ability to shape the development of the 2026 car. Reports suggest that the team has already implemented changes inspired by Lewis Hamilton’s feedback, including adjustments to the steering wheel and cockpit ergonomics. However, the combination of poor results and extremely narrow performance margins last season strained his working relationship with the team.
The partnership between Lewis Hamilton and engineer Riccardo Adami has been under particular scrutiny. While the upcoming 2026 regulations offer a chance for a reset, success will not come automatically. Hamilton is entering the new season with greater experience regarding Ferrari’s car development process, yet the pressure to deliver is significantly higher than it would have been had he delayed his switch.
Ultimately, Lewis Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari has been a harsh reminder that even a seven-time Formula 1 world champion can struggle when expectations, timing, and competitive circumstances collide. As he prepares for 2026, Lewis Hamilton carries both valuable insights from a difficult first year and the weight of tifosi hopes, making this next chapter one of the most critical in his illustrious career.
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